Protective training device and method of use

ABSTRACT

A sports training device that includes a hollow device body with interior walls defining a central access opening for receiving a user&#39;s hand and arm. An instant device includes generally cylindrical energy absorbent core, an exterior covering to protect the core, an internal tubular sleeve for lining the central access opening, and an internal handle for manual grasping. An instant device has outwardly facing elbow and hand protrusions for protecting the elbow and hand. An internal handle is located in the distal portion of the central access opening. An interior sleeve is open at the distal end, allowing the user to access the internal handle. The distal end of an instant device body includes an aperture permitting a user to grasp objects without removing an instant device body. A sports training device is usable in a broad spectrum of physical activities, including contact sports, martial arts, basketball, etc.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None

SEQUENCE LISTING

None

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION (FOI)

The disclosure of an embodiment of the present invention relates generally to protective training pads used in contact activities, and, more particularly, to a training pad designed to protect both the trainer and trainee when then trainee contacts the elbow, forearm, and hand of the trainer in any of a broad spectrum of physical activities, including contact sports, martial arts, basketball, etc.

BACKGROUND

Training pads allow trainers, trainees, or other participants the opportunity to engage in physical contact while minimizing the risks of injury. Typical training exercises involve the participants striking, pushing, hitting, colliding, bumping, and otherwise impacting one another. Without training pads, participants either refrain from fully engaging in the training activity or risk substantial injury. The risk of injury is compounded by the fact that, while training, participants have not yet learned the proper techniques to engage in the physical activity safely. In particular, there is a need to protect the elbow, forearm, and hand because they are so frequently involved in physical training activities.

As such, contemporary training pads are often bulky, too thin to provide adequate protection, stationary, difficult to don and control, cumbersome to use, designed to absorb impacts from a single direction, limited to protecting the trainer at the expense of the trainee (or vice versa), or otherwise ineffective. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,408 titled “Hand and Forearm Protective Device for the Interception of Thrusts in Martial Arts” issued to Georg F. Bruckner provides a protective device uniquely designed to absorb the impacts of thrusts. However, an instant device remains open at both ends (allowing possible impact to the hands) and does not protect the elbow.

In another sports training device variation, U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,026 titled “Limb Protector” issued to Alfred R. Pierce, Jr. provides a series of sleeves and protective plates designed to protect individual locations on the body. However, an instant device includes a series of gaps between the plates that remain unprotected. Further, an instant device requires substantial time to don and movement of the wearer can shift the orientation of the protective plates, leaving the wearer unprotected. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,624 titled “Protective Arm Gear” issued to Soo S. Cho provides a protective pad that also only partially protects the arm. However, an instant device leaves half the arm exposed, requires a second person to assist the wearer in donning an instant device, limits the wearer's freedom of motion, and only protects against impacts from a single direction. Further, the wearer's unprotected side of his/her own arm could be driven into himself/herself by the force of the impact, which could result in wearer injury. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,683 titled “Martial Arts Training Device” issued to Terry Lee Norblom provides a protective pad that protects only the hand and only protects against impacts from a particular direction.

Accordingly, there is a need for a training pad that protects both the trainer and the trainee, allows for a freedom of movement similar to the final physical activity, requires little attention to properly don, protects both the elbow and hand, and functions in a wide variety of physical activities.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention includes a generally cylindrical device body formed of a kinetic energy absorbent core covered with a friction reducing covering. An instant device body has a central access opening extending along the entire length of an instant device. An internal handle is disposed within the central access opening near the distal end to allow a user to hold the training device securely when needed and positioned to permit a user's hand to extend beyond the distal end to grasp an object. An internal sleeve lines the inside of the central access opening. The interior sleeve is open at the distal end, allowing the user to reach through the distal end of the sleeve to access the internal handle and permitting a user's hand to extend beyond the distal end. A generally cylindrical device body has an outer-elbow protrusion on the proximal end for protecting the elbow, an interior-elbow depression allowing bending of the arm, and a distal end protrusion for protecting the hand.

A generally cylindrical portion of an energy absorbent core and are preferably formed of a spongy, resilient, soft, flexible, lightweight materials such as aerogel, foam, plastic, rubber, cellulose or other natural or synthetic materials which have a cellular structure.

The exterior covering is preferably formed of a flexible material possessing low rates of friction encasing the kinetic energy absorbent core, covering at least the outside of the protective device.

An internal tubular sleeve is manually positionable as a lining within the inside central access opening and composed of porous material to permit evaporation enabling a user's arm to regulate temperature. The tubular sleeve may extend up the arm of the user to prevent undesirable contact with fluids or other materials common in physical activity such as with sweat.

The sports training device is usable in a broad spectrum of physical activities, including contact sports, martial arts, basketball, etc. An instant device enables a user to grasp an object as required in many sports. For example, a user can rebound a basketball after a post drill while continually using an instant device without the need to interrupt the drill and remove an instant device.

An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a sports training device that provides protection of the entire hand, forearm, and elbow while simultaneously permitting a user to grasp an object through the distal end aperture.

An additional object is to provide a sports training device that is easy to don.

A further object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a sports training device that is lightweight.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a sports training device that is easily maneuverable when worn and utilized.

An additional object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a sports training pad that has a protrusion to protect the outer elbow, while allowing the arm to bend freely at the inner elbow.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of an embodiment of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and from the detailed description of an embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

An embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which:

FIG. 1: is perspective view showing an embodiment of the protective training pad or device.

FIG. 2: is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the protective training pad or device.

FIG. 3: is a perspective view showing the internal sleeve of a training pad of an embodiment withdrawn from an instant device.

As a note of clarifications, the like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to an embodiment of the present invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Shown throughout the figures, an embodiment of the present invention is directed toward a training pad for use in contact activities. The sport training pad is configured to shield and protect the entire hand, forearm, and elbow of the trainer while retaining the ability to grasp an object, yet is easy to don and to use. A training pad provides protection and softens impacts for both the trainer and trainee, forming a cushion at the point of contact. The protective training pad of the current invention is less cumbersome and more maneuverable than conventionally available devices.

Referring to FIG. 1, a protective sports training pad is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. A training pad includes a generally cylindrical, device body 1 formed of an energy absorbent core 2 covered with an exterior covering 3. An instant device body 1 has a proximal end 4 (near the elbow) and a distal end 5 (near the fingertips). An instant device body 1 is hollow with an annular central access opening 6 at the proximal end 4 and the distal end 5. An internal handle 7 is disposed at or near the end of the central access opening 6 and near the distal end portion 5. An internal tubular sleeve 8 forms a lining for the inside of the central access opening 6. The tubular sleeve 8 is open at the distal end, allowing the user to access the internal handle 7.

In use, the user's arm is inserted into the central access opening 6 with the user's hand grasping the internal handle 7, thereby manually maintaining the protective training pad in position on the user's arm.

The hollow cylinder of device body 1 has an outwardly facing portion 9 (the outermost portion where most contact with a training partner will occur) and a body-facing portion 10. An instant device body 1 is generally cylindrical, but the outwardly facing portion 9 has a proximal projection, outer-elbow end section, forming an outer-elbow protrusion 11 to protect the elbow, and an outer-hand end section, forming the outer-hand protrusion 12 to protect the hand. The body-facing portion 10 of device body 1 lacks the outwardly facing projection, and, therefore, the proximal inner-elbow end section of body-facing portion 10 provides additional space for articulation of the elbow and hand, forming body-facing elbow depression 14. Due to the outer-elbow protrusion 11, the outwardly-facing portion 9 has a length (from the distal end portion 5 to the proximal end of outer-elbow end section 4 that forms outwardly-facing elbow protrusion 11) greater than the length of the body-facing portion 10 (from the distal end portion 5 to the proximal end of inner-elbow end section 14).

An instant device body 1 is hollow with inner wall edge 15 defining the edges of annular central access opening 6.

Covering 3 includes an outer covering surface that overlays and protects the outer surface of an instant device body 1, including the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical portion. Optionally, covering 3 may include an inner covering surface to line the annular central access opening 6. If the optional inner covering surface is provided, the sleeve 8 is disposed interior of the inner covering surface. Covering 3 may be formed of a single piece of material or of multiple pieces of material joined into a unit, such as by stitching together. Covering 3 is preferably formed of a strong, durable material, such as sturdy fabric, canvas, leather, vinyl, leather, mesh, or the like.

A handle 7 is preferably attached to a covering 3 at the inner wall edge 15 defining the edges of annular central access opening 6. It may be attached when a seam is formed at that location. However, other attachment locations are within the scope of the invention, such as the attachment to the outer-covering surface 3, an energy absorbent core 2, or a combination thereof. A handle 7 may be adjusted to accommodate differing arm lengths of the various wearers of a training pad.

FIG. 2, several internal components of the first embodiment of a training pad. The thick walls of device body 1 are formed by energy absorbent core 2. An energy absorbent core 2 may consist of foam, rubber, gas-filled bladder, or other material that cushions the impact between trainer and trainee. FIG. 2 depicts an energy absorbent core 2 comprised primarily of a foam rubber or other durable material. An energy absorbent core 2 may consist of a single piece of durable material with a hollow core removed to form the central access opening 6 or may be a combination of two or more pieces. The separate pieces of core 2 may be joined by adhesive or another fastening mechanism or merely held together by a covering 3. A covering 3 may completely encase a training pad. In one aspect, a covering 3 fixedly holds an energy absorbent core 2, handle 7, and sleeve 8 together as a single unit. In an optional aspect, the body-facing portion 10, outwardly facing portion 9, may comprise separate interchangeable pieces fixedly held together by a complementary hook and loop closure, zipper, magnet, or other material that allows for interchanging of separate pieces. In this manner, a training pad may be customized to the specific training activity to provide the appropriate amount of protection for the trainer or trainee.

When an instant device is in use an internal tubular sleeve 8 is manually positioned within central access opening 6. FIG. 3 illustrates an internal tubular sleeve 8 partially removed from the central access opening 6, showing the tubular sleeve 8 has an open end 16. An internal tubular sleeve 8 comprises a sleeve distal end that defines the sleeve distal opening 16. Sleeve distal opening 16 may be finished with a hem or other finishing technique to provide additional durability. An internal tubular sleeve 8 may be made of the same durable material as a covering 3 or may, optionally, be formed of a separate material. An internal tubular sleeve 8 is fixedly attached to a covering 3 at or near the inner-elbow end section, the body-facing elbow depression 14, or the outer-elbow end section 11. A covering 3 and internal tubular sleeve 8 are fixedly attached together (see location 17) by stitching, gluing, or other method of adhesion; optionally reinforcements may be added to reinforce a training pad stress points. In another aspect, covering 3 may optionally be formed as a single unit with sleeve 8.

A second embodiment of the protective sports training pad, which is similar in most aspects to the first embodiment, but provides for a removable tubular sleeve 8. In the second embodiment, an internal tubular sleeve 8 is removably attached to a covering 3 by a fastening system which may include two complementary portions, a body portion at location 17 configured to receive the proximal sleeve portion. For example, the fastening system may be a complementary hook and loop closure, zipper, magnet, or other material. The removable tubular sleeve 8 of the second embodiment allows the sleeve 8 be removed from the central access opening 6 for drying or laundering, as may be desirable after use of a training pad.

A third embodiment of the protective sports training pad, which is similar in most aspects to the first embodiment, but additionally includes an integrated ventilation system. A ventilation system may comprise a series of holes, vents, slits, or other openings interspersed in an energy absorbent core 2. A ventilation system in an energy absorbent core 2 may be open or filled with a mesh or other material to permit natural air flow. A ventilation system may use a covering 3, a mesh, or screen-like material to prevent debris from entering in a training pad. In another aspect, a ventilation system comprises a series of mesh or screen-like channels molded into an energy absorbent core 2 to preserve or strengthen the integrity of an energy absorbent core 2. A ventilation system or any of its openings need not be uniformly distributed throughout a training pad and may be concentrated at any of the various portions of an instant device. Optionally, a temperature regulating material may be located near the inner wall 15 (FIG. 2) of an energy absorbent core 2. Various temperature regulating material may consist of a gel, polymer, plastic, fiber, resin, or other material with an inherent heat capacity such that various temperature regulating material may either absorb heat or release heat and maintain a relatively stable temperature. In this embodiment, a training pad is particularly useful to wearers that become hot when training. A training pad can help to keep the hand, forearm, and elbow of the trainer cool. Likewise, in cold training environments, a training pad can be kept warm prior to use and will help keep the hand, forearm, and elbow of the trainer warm during use. In another aspect, various temperature regulating material may be chosen to additionally function as the shock absorbing/distributing material of the energy absorbent core.

Thus a sports training device that protects the entire hand, forearm, and elbow, which protects both the trainer and the trainee, and is both simple to don and use has been provided.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described an embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of all the embodiments of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

We claim:
 1. A sports training device, comprising: A hollow device body having a distal end, a proximal end, a body-facing portion, an outwardly-facing portion, an outwardly-facing elbow protrusion, and an interior wall defining the edges of an annular central access opening; wherein said outwardly-facing portion is longer in length than said body-facing portion, thereby forming said outwardly-facing elbow and hand protrusions; wherein said device body comprises; A energy absorbent core including a hollow generally cylindrical portion; An exterior covering of a flexible material configured to case said energy absorbent core; An interior tubular sleeve attached to said exterior covering; wherein said tubular sleeve comprises a sleeve distal end defining a sleeve distal end opening; and An internal handle disposed at the distal end of said annular central access opening.
 2. A method of use for the device of claim 1, comprising: A user inserting his hand and arm into the device in the proper manner and with the convenient hand. Device is functional for left or right arm users. A user with the device attached to his arm presenting a defensive barrier or intervention for a second user as a visual and physical distraction intended to simulating game conditions and distractions during a practice session for training players to increase their physical ability, skill level, offensive accuracy, and overall fitness. A user maneuvers the device to provide resistance to a second user in the approach or skill of attempting a basket or goal. Said resistance allows a first user to leverage more defensive barriers even though a user with the device may be significantly smaller than the second user in height and weight. 